Today would have been Whitney Houston’s 50th birthday, so to mark this date and to commemorate not only the fact that she was such a flawless and consistent live vocalist and performer but also the number of artists she looked up to and was influenced by, I have compiled 15 of her best cover versions of other people’s songs that she performed live (not ones she recorded and/or re-released, except for “A Song For You”, which she performed long before recording it). Whitney was amazing at taking other people’s songs, paying tribute to them and making the song her own with her own vocal styling that was usually always at least just as good as the original, as she proved many a time in her cover versions that she recorded over the years. I’ve just put them all here alphabetically rather than trying to order them according to how good they are and instead of me going on about each one individually, you can just sit and watch them in awe for yourself.

A Song For You

Whitney sings her version of this classic song, originally by Leon Russell (1991).

And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going (from “Dreamgirls”)

Whitney sings one of the most vocally challenging songs she’s attempted (1994).

Aretha Franklin medley

Whitney singing a medley of songs popularised by her godmother, Aretha Franklin (1997).

Diana Ross medley

Whitney singing a medley of songs popularised by one of her friends, idols and contemporaries, Diana Ross (1997).

Dionne Warwick medley

Whitney singing a medley of songs popularised by her cousin, Dionne Warwick (1997).

Gonna Be Startin’ Somethin’

Whitney singing one of her favourite Michael Jackson songs (1986).

Home (from “The Wiz”)

Whitney singing this song on her first televised appearance in 1983 (above) and again just over a decade later in 1994 (below) – pay attention to the vast difference, maturity and improvement in her overall voice and style in the two versions.

How Long Has This Been Going On

Whitney sings this jazz standard, written by George Gershwin and popularised by Ella Fitzgerald (1995).

I Am Changing (from “Dreamgirls”)

Whitney singing this vocally demanding song at the age of 21 in 1984 (above) and again in 1986 (below) – take note of the maturity of her voice, the improvement in her technique and her trademark style of playing with the notes and melody that had blossomed within those two years.

This is a post I thought I’d do about my best friend, Emily, who has been singing pretty much all her life, that I think all of you reading this should a take a listen to. She’s classically-trained although for most of her professional singing career she has sung pop, rock and jazz songs with cover bands as well as with a gospel choir to improve her skills in harmonies and her coloratura abilities (fancy word for the technique of being able to execute complex riffs, runs, trills, wide leaps, etc. with ease).

Voice type: Lyric soprano

Range: Approximately 4 octaves

Emily’s musical and vocal inspirations are varied across many genres – from pop and R&B, to rock and jazz and from gospel to opera – and include Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Céline Dion, Beverley Knight, Ella Fitzgerald, Erykah Badu, Adele, Leona Lewis, Emeli Sandé, Queen, The Killers, Spanish opera singer Montserrat Caballé, Yolanda Adams and various other gospel singers, among others. With a vocal range that spans over 4 octaves, Emz possesses the ability to belt into the lower sixth octave (a la Patti Labelle-ish) and use whistle register (though rarely does or needs to do either) but through her great technique manages to maintain the same gorgeous, warm tonal quality, good support and resonance throughout each register and her whole range, particularly her head voice. Check out the video below of her singing her first solo with the Reading Community Gospel Choir for the “Sister Act 2” version of “Joyful Joyful”, as originally performed by Lauryn Hill.

Also take a look at her profile on StarNow for more information and a small selection of other clips that show off her voice and versatility as well as give you a taste of her large repertoire, from singing “Ave Maria” to “Skyfall” and from “Sweet Home Alabama” to “I Have Nothing”.